When the craving for something crispy, savory, and satisfying hits, few dishes deliver quite like Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken. Whether you’re juggling work, kids, or just a long to-do list, this recipe is a lifesaver. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and needs only a handful of pantry staples. Plus, who can resist a crunchy, cheesy crust wrapped around tender, juicy chicken?
This dish has become a weekly favorite at our house, and I’m excited to share all the details so you can enjoy it too. From busy weeknights to casual family dinners, it fits right in — no fuss, no fancy techniques, just real good food made simple.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- Minimal Ingredients: Basic pantry and fridge staples.
- Bold Flavor: Parmesan, garlic, and herbs shine in every bite.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Holds up well for leftovers too!
“This Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken turned my crazy Wednesday nights into a dinner win — and it only took half an hour!”
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Grated parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Melted butter | 1/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they’re thick, slice them in half horizontally to make them thinner and quicker to cook.
- Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix the parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Brush each chicken breast with melted butter, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Cook: Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Cooking Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- Use freshly grated parmesan if possible — it melts better and tastes richer than pre-grated.
- Don’t skimp on the butter! It helps the crust stick beautifully and adds richness.
- Press firmly when coating the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture so the crust doesn’t fall off while cooking.
- If you prefer baking, you can place the coated chicken on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve alongside your Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken? Here are a few easy, crowd-pleasing ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting.
- Simple Salad: Toss some greens with lemon vinaigrette.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans pair beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Because more garlic is always a good idea!
Perfect Drink Pairings
This dish pairs well with light, refreshing beverages that don’t overpower the garlic and cheese flavors:
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc complements it nicely.
- Iced Tea: Unsweetened tea cuts through the richness.
- Light Beer: A pilsner keeps things casual and tasty.
Ideas for a Restaurant-Quality Presentation
- Slice the chicken into strips and fan them out on the plate.
- Drizzle a little extra melted butter and sprinkle more chopped parsley on top.
- Serve on a white plate for a clean, elegant look.
“When I first served this at a family dinner, everyone thought I had picked it up from a fancy restaurant — little did they know, it only took me 30 minutes!”
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Wrap individually for easy thawing.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Avoid microwaving if you can — it softens the breading.
Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a crispy garlic parmesan crust — this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken is a 30-minute wonder perfect for busy nights! Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a golden, buttery finish make this dish a guaranteed family favorite.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1/4 cup melted butter
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Parmesan Crust
-
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
-
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
-
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If needed, slice thick pieces in half to create thinner cutlets for quicker cooking. -
Make the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine grated parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. -
Coat the Chicken:
Brush each chicken breast with melted butter. Then press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, coating evenly on both sides. -
Heat the Skillet:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. -
Cook the Chicken:
Place the coated chicken into the skillet. Cook for about 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F).
-
Garnish and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and drizzle with any extra melted butter if desired before serving.
Notes
Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melt.
Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary for even browning.
You can bake the chicken instead: 400°F for about 20–25 minutes.
Leftovers are great chopped into salads or wraps the next day!
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-Fried (with Baking Alternative)
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They’re juicier and add a slightly richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few more minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work just fine. However, panko tends to create a lighter, crispier crust. For a gluten-free option, try crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the thickest part of the chicken — it should be white and juices should run clear, not pink.
Can I bake this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the coated chicken on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through if you like extra crispiness.
How can I store and reheat leftovers without losing the crispy crust?
Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to soften the crunchy coating.
Final Thoughts on Making Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken
There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a meal that feels a little fancy but comes together with hardly any effort. That’s exactly what Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken brings to the table. The golden crust, the punch of garlic, the savory Parmesan — it’s all wrapped up in one irresistible bite after another.
Whether you’re serving this for a casual family dinner or trying to impress guests without breaking a sweat, it’s a foolproof recipe that deserves a spot in your rotation. Plus, it’s a total bonus that the ingredients are simple, the process is straightforward, and the results are consistently crowd-pleasing.
Next time you’re wondering what to cook on a busy weeknight, remember this dish. It’s fast, full of flavor, and will leave your kitchen smelling absolutely amazing. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.
Ready to make dinner a little more delicious tonight? Go grab those simple ingredients and let’s make some magic happen with this Garlic Parmesan Crusted Chicken!